Manchester City are the ‘mystery club’ leading the race to snatch perhaps the most exciting talent in Barcelona’s famed La Masia, Xavi Simons, Alan Nixon reports in The Sun on Sunday.

The 13-year-old captains Barça’s under-14 side and is tipped to be one of the future stars of football, standing out far above anyone else in his age group. He recently won his fourth youth Ballon d’Or in a row, highlighting his exceptional talent and potential.

And City are said to be at the front of the pack of clubs trying to entice Xavi away from Barcelona’s academy, a familiar problem for the Catalan giants who often lose young prospects before they can reach the first team squad. Eric Garcia, 16, considered to be the best centre-back in years at La Masia, joined Man City in the summer for around £1.7million.

Notorious super-agent Mino Raiola has been to Spain in recent days and was pictured meeting Xavi Simons in an attempt to become his agent. And in addition to potentially getting a new agent, the young wonderkid could also soon be playing for a new club if City are successful in their pursuit.